I agree that Heinola hasn't shown enough to be granted that 3rd pair role.
My point is that the Jets need a better D than Stanley in that role if they want to be a real contender, and I have tried to support my opinion with specific examples (like mistakes or penalties at key moments). Of course other D make mistakes too, but I don't really see the benefit with Stanley, especially in the playoffs when the pace increases substantially and fighting becomes even less relevant.
This defense is so hard to predict. A few weeks ago De Melo's demise was being predicted, myself included. He's now +18 on the the year, which is trending towards last season's result. Pionk took a good drop in his stats going from Sammy to Fleury. Stan has maybe stabilized his game a little since jumping up into the top 4., which wasn't predicted here. Samberg hopefully elevates Pionk's game back to where it was at the start of the season. Miller is just quietly going about a very respectable season.
Healthy, maybe Stan can get some confidence from recent games. His ability to stop players in their tracks is an asset, as the games get greasier around the net. Fleury has some very respectable PK numbers, but so too does Josh Morrissey, so there's some options there. The penalties are certainly a concern, but some of that cycle movement in the offensive zone that Stan was a part of last night was a sign of a player who is fitting in to what is being coached.
It will be interesting to see how much draft capital Chevy invests in this run. I'd say a consistent PKing center behind Lowry, who can play top 6 might be his biggest priority.
Defense the depth chart doesn't look so bad
Morrissey-De Melo
Samberg-Pionk
Stanley-Miller
Fleury-Coghlan
Heinola-Salomonsson/Lundmark
It's not a good enough defense to beat Vegas, maybe not Colorado either. Can the Jets get out of the first round with that group? I think it's possible. Chemistry is something that is developed.
If Stanley was capable of that +6, 2 goal playoff that he had during the Covid season that would be a big relief for the organization.
There's a lot of question marks. Can the top line dominate in the playoffs? Is there anybody on the 2nd line who can score in the playoffs? Can Lowry stay healthy through the whole season, because the 3rd line success depends on his play? Can the 4th line contribute? Can the 4th line kill penalties? Can the Jets win games in the playoffs with their PP? Who can win key draws? Can either top 4 pairing handle playoff hockey? Can Helle turn regular season success into playoff success?
Stanley's just a piece of that big puzzle.